A COUNCIL has come in for heavy criticism after claims "dictatorial attitudes" of members led them to ignore the opinions of people they represent.

The claim has been made as opposition to plans to install a skate park in a Berkeley play area grows increasingly stronger.

Residents of Park View Road have vowed to put a stop to town council plans to build the wheeled sports facility in Park View - a development they claim completely ignores their needs and those of toddlers who use the existing play area.

But council chairman Cllr Ralph Pinnell has refuted claims and said, if residents want their voices to be heard, they need to address the council directly.

At last month's meeting it was decided to press ahead with creation of a small facility before a £3,600 grant expires at the end of August.

But home-owners bordering the site, who have already voiced their discontent, are increasing their campaign to try and stop the development they claim is "totally irresponsible and in complete disagreement with residents".

Ron Gammon, of Park View Road, has written to landowners Stroud District Council, accusing the town council of ignoring the needs of residents.

In voicing his strong opposition to the skate park he said: "If our great councillors really wish to help the good people of Berkeley, then they should really listen to them more and respond to their concerns and worries about more important issues than skateboard parks.

"I feel sure that, if they did they would find that, they would receive a great deal more support. After all they are there to represent us and to look after our community - not dictate how we live."

Mr Gammon said the skate park proposal would only add to existing problems.

"We feel this decision is totally irresponsible," he stated. "We already have a situation where toddlers feel very intimidated in using the park due to unruly teenagers who congregate there drinking alcohol, using foul language and being excessively noisy."

The proposal ignored needs of residents of Park View Road and would compound problems that already exist.

He declared: "The residents of Park View Road are going to lose their peace and tranquillity and it is going to be an invasion of our privacy."

But Cllr Pinnell said: "We are working on the desires of residents, as outlined in the town appraisal. A skate park is what the town has asked for and all sites have been looked at over the past 18 months and there is nowhere else for this facility to go."

Cllr Pinnell said the council could not please everybody and added: "In trying to fulfil the needs and desires of the majority of residents there is always going to be someone who objects."

And if residents want the council to take notice, they should attend a meeting.

"The council is the place to raise these problems," he explained. "Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings and discuss issues with members. If not, their concerns cannot be addressed."

District council spokeman David Marshall said the authority is aware some residents have concerns about a possible skate park.

"Effectively, as owners of the site, we could veto the proposal," he said. "But we are reluctant to intervene. We would hope the issue is something that can be resolved locally between the residents and the town council."

Residents are expected to attend the next meeting of the town council in the town hall on Monday (7.30pm).